RESUMO O conteúdo de água no solo é um fator-chave na avaliação nas áreas agrícola e ecológica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi explorar a combinação de informações multisatélites para abordar a questão da baixa precisão na recuperação do conteúdo de água do solo a partir de informações de banda única e fonte única, e estabelecer um modelo para estimativa do conteúdo de água do solo baseado no método multiespectral simulado. Foi realizado um experimento de determinação hiperespectral de amostras de solo (Latossolos) com valores variáveis de teor de água. A reflectância de oito sensores de satélite multiespectral foi remapeada com base nas funções de resposta espectral. Os índices de vegetação (VIs) foram estabelecidos combinando todas as bandas de sensores disponíveis. Os VIs significativos e a reflectância da banda foram extraídos pelos métodos de coeficiente de correlação e análise de importância de dados out-of-bag (OOB), e em seguida modelos lineares e não lineares foram estabelecidos para a estimativa do conteúdo de água no solo. Correlação significativa foi obtida entre refletância multiespectral simulada, VIs e teor de água no solo. Os modelos não lineares apresentaram melhor desempenho que o modelo linear. A combinação do modelo OOB e Random Forest (OOB-RF) obteve a maior acurácia de predição, com R2 calibração e R2 predição de 0,852 e 0,834, respectivamente. De forma geral, verificou-se que o método de modelagem OOB-RF baseado em sensoriamento remoto multiespectral foi viável para estimar o teor de água no solo.

ABSTRACT The soil water content is a key evaluation factor in the agricultural and ecological fields. The objective of this study was to explore the combination of multi-satellite information to address the issue of low accuracy in soil water content retrieval from single-band, single-source information and to establish a model for the estimation of the soil water content based on a simulated multi-spectral method. An experiment involving the hyperspectral determination of soil samples (Oxisols) with varying values of the water content was conducted. The reflectance of eight multi-spectral satellite sensors was resampled based on the spectral response functions. The vegetation indices (VIs) were established by pairing all available sensor bands. The significant VIs and band reflectance were extracted using the correlation coefficient and out-of-bag (OOB) data importance analysis methods, and then linear models and nonlinear models were established for soil water content estimation. A significant correlation was achieved between the simulated multi-spectral reflectance, VIs, and soil water content. The nonlinear models had a better performance than the linear model. The combined OOB and random forest (OOB-RF) model achieved the highest prediction accuracy, with R2 calibration and R2 prediction values of 0.852 and 0.834, respectively. Overall, it was verified that the OOB-RF modeling method based on multi-spectral remote sensing was feasible for estimating the soil water content.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this article is to explore how typographic strategies can reflect a brand's personality across different industrial sectors through a literature review and qualitative analysis. The research highlights the crucial role of typography in creating a strong and coherent visual identity. It analyzes the use of typefaces in sectors such as finance, technology, food, and fashion, identifying key characteristics in typeface selection for each sector. The findings reveal that in the financial sector, sans serif typefaces dominate due to their simplicity and professionalism, while in the technology sector, they are appreciated for their modernity and readability. In the food sector, typography evokes sensations: script fonts convey freshness and approachability, while sans serif fonts generate perceptions of acidity or sweetness depending on their terminals. In the fashion sector, both serif and sans serif fonts aim to project an image of elegance and exclusivity. The research will conclude that effective typographic management, based on both technical and emotional principles, is essential for achieving a strong and competitive visual identity.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este artículo es explorar cómo las estrategias tipográficas pueden reflejar la personalidad de una marca en diferentes sectores industriales, mediante una revisión bibliográfica y un análisis cualitativo. La investigación destaca el papel crucial de la tipografía en la creación de una identidad visual sólida y coherente. Se analiza el uso de tipografías en sectores tales como el financiero, tecnológico, alimenticio y de moda, identificando características clave en la elección de tipografías para cada sector. Los resultados muestran que, en el sector financiero, las tipografías sans serif predominan, por su simplicidad y profesionalismo, mientras que en el sector tecnológico se valoran por su modernidad y legibilidad. En el sector alimentario, la tipografía evoca sensaciones: las scripts transmiten frescura y cercanía, mientras que las sans serif generan percepciones de acidez o dulzura, según sus terminales. Y, en el sector de la moda, tanto las fuentes serif como las sans serif buscan transmitir una imagen de elegancia y exclusividad. La investigación concluirá que una gestión tipográfica adecuada, basada en principios técnicos y emocionales, resulta esencial para lograr una identidad visual efectiva y competitiva.

ABSTRACT Tausch’s goat grass (Aegilops tauschii Coss.) is a troublesome and widespread weed that poses a significant challenge in winter wheat fields. Understanding the germination biology of Tausch’s goat grass is crucial for predicting its potential distribution area. To better understand its germination and emergence ecology, this study evaluated the effects of various environmental factors on seed germination and seedling emergence in laboratory and greenhouse experiments. Seed germinations were settled across a range of constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 27 °C), and optimal germination rates were observed at 5, 15, 20, and 25 °C. The light and pH had no discernible effect on germination. Germination in this study was inhibited at osmotic potentials ranging from 0 to -0.7 MPa. The seedling emergence rate was highest (100%) when seeds were not buried (depth of 0 cm), emergence gradually declined while the depth of burial increased, no seedlings emerge at the depth of 6 cm. Those implied that deep plowing could effectively limit germination and emergence of this species. This study provides valuable insights into the germination conditions of Tausch’s goat grass and lays the groundwork for scientific prediction and control measures.

RESUMEN El noroeste de la provincia Pinar del Río es una conocida región minera, rica en sulfuros de cobre y polimetálicos hospedados en una cuenca sedimentaria, representada básicamente por las formaciones San Cayetano y Esperanza. Al no disponerse de un modelo físico-geológico de toda la zona noroeste de la provincia para estos depósitos, se dificulta la fundamentación del complejo racional de métodos geofísicos para la prospección, razón por la cual esta investigación tuvo el propósito de obtener tal modelo. Se elaboró primeramente el modelo geológico, a partir de modelos precedentes recogidos en la literatura; igualmente, para elaborar el modelo petrofísico, se recopilaron y procesaron las propiedades físicas contenidas en informes de proyectos. Se calcularon los campos físicos correspondientes y se conformó el modelo físico-geológico generalizado para toda la zona de estudio. El modelo consiguió sistematizar la información dispersa en distintas fuentes y generar un patrón identificativo para este tipo de depósitos, así como determinar el complejo racional de métodos geofísicos para la prospección.

ABSTRACT The northwest of Pinar del Río province is a well-known mining region, rich in copper and polymetallic sulfides hosted in a sedimentary basin, basically represented by San Cayetano and Esperanza formations. It is difficult to substantiate the rational complex of geophysical methods for prospecting, since a physical-geological model of the entire northwestern area of the province is not available for these deposits, which is the reason this research was aimed at obtaining such a model. First, the geological modeling was elaborated based on previous models collected in the literature; likewise, to elaborate the petro physical modeling, physical properties contained in project reports were collected and processed. The corresponding physical fields were calculated and generalized physical-geological modeling for the entire study area was formed. The model managed to systematize the information scattered in different sources and to generate an identifying pattern for this type of deposits, as well as determining the rational complex of geophysical methods for prospecting.

RESUMEN La utilización de los entornos virtuales de aprendizaje en el proceso docente de la carrera Ingeniería en Bioinformática es una de las prioridades en la actualidad en la Universidad de las Ciencias Informáticas. La caracterización de los procesos formativos en varias disciplinas en el uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones, arrojó uno de los resultados del proyecto de investigación “Estrategia didáctica de innovación que potencie la utilización de los entornos virtuales de aprendizaje en el montaje de las asignaturas en la carrera de Ingeniería en Bioinformática ”, en el que se detectó inconsistencia en el uso del entorno virtual de aprendizaje, manifestada en la escasa preparación de docentes y en la carencia de la identificación de los nodos integradores que permiten darle un enfoque a la enseñanza de la Química que sirven de base a otras disciplinas de la carrera como la Biología y la Bioinformática. El objetivo de este trabajo fue diseñar un sistema de acciones que permitan la preparación de los profesores en los contenidos químicos, en función de los procesos formativos de la carrera de Ingeniería en Bioinformática. Los métodos que se utilizaron fueron: el analítico sintético, el histórico lógico, el análisis documental, la observación y la entrevista, además, se utilizaron algunas herramientas informáticas. Los resultados alcanzados se concretaron en un conjunto de acciones para la preparación de los profesores de la carrera en los contenidos químicos y el uso de las bases de datos biológicas, de gran actualidad en el proceso docente.

ABSTRACT The use of virtual learning environments in the teaching process of the Bioinformatics Engineering career is one of the current priorities at the University of Informatics Sciences. The characterization of the formative processes in several disciplines in the use of Information and Communication Technologies, showed one of the results of the research project “Didactic strategy of innovation that enhances the use of virtual learning environments in the assembly of subjects in the career of Bioinformatics Engineering”, in which inconsistency was detected in the use of the virtual learning environment, manifested in the poor preparation of teachers and in the lack of identification of the integrating nodes that allow giving an approach to the teaching of Chemistry that serve as a basis for other disciplines of the career such as Biology and Bioinformatics. The objective of this work was to design a system of actions that allow the preparation of teachers in chemical contents, according to the formative processes of the Bioinformatics Engineering career. The methods used were: synthetic analytical, historical-logical, documentary analysis, observation and interview, and some computer tools were also used. The results achieved resulted in a set of actions for the preparation of the professors of the career in chemical contents.

This article explored the role of institutional culture in instilling social justice in the workplace, sometimes referred to as organisational justice. The concern is whether institutional culture plays any role in social justice at higher education institutions. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the role institutional culture can play in enhancing organisational justice, due to workplace injustices that persist at institutions of higher learning. In the past decade, research has focused on discrimination, gender issues and corruption in the workplace. However, there has been little focus on changing the organisational culture of an organisation where managers need employees to achieve their objectives, sometimes to the detriment of social justice. Employee job performance and satisfaction are considered key variables that can influence organisational performance, and this pressure may lead to work injustice and affect teaching and learning. In the process of describing the role institutional culture can play towards enhancing organisational justice, we used the views of academics, students and support staff and analysed institutional policies from several universities that are part of the space and spatiality project in Sub-Saharan Africa by means of a qualitative enquiry. This article established that the culture of an institution plays a pivotal role in entrenching or affecting justice at institutions of higher education. The findings revealed that there is, generally, non-non-compliance with institutional policies which affects teaching and learning, thereby contributing to workplace injustice which negatively affects various stakeholders in institutions of higher learning. The article recommends that an institutional-wide policy monitoring and evaluation system be developed and implemented and that the culture of the institution be aligned with the policies in place.

BACKGROUND. An implementation framework for community-oriented primary care (COPC) was developed in the Cape Metro, Western Cape Province, South Africa. In 2018, four learning sites were identified to experiment with the framework. A study was undertaken to explore the implementation of this framework. OBJECTIVES. To explore the process and progress of implementation, as well as the perceptions of the barriers and enablers of implementation. METHODS. A programmatic process evaluation with a descriptive exploratory qualitative study design was used. A logic model was developed, and defined inputs, outputs and the sources of evidence for the implementation process. RESULTS. The understanding of COPC and its underlying philosophy contrasted with the traditional model of care, and the paradigm shift was challenging. Strong leadership was identified as a facilitator for change. Community and stakeholder engagement were the most challenging issues. COPC requires a wide range of skills and expertise supported by appropriate training and clear role definition. The use of electronic devices in the community was both an advantage and a barrier. CONCLUSION. Implementation of COPC needs to be understood as a reform of the model of care, and not as an additional project or service. The findings can guide policy, further scale-up and implementation of COPC.

ABSTRACT Crop rotation and straw return are important sustainable agricultural practices. However, their combined impact on the soil microbiota is poorly understood. Here, the effects of crop rotation and straw return on rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity, soil properties and soil microbial community was investigated in a Chinese southern paddy soil. There were six treatments, including rice-fallow (RF), rice-rape (Brassica campestris L.) rotation (RR), rice-edamame (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) rotation (RE), RF with rice straw return (RFS), RR with rice and rape straw return (RRS), and RE with rice and edamame straw return (RES). The results showed that rice yields in RR and RE were increased by 6.28% and 6.93% relative to RF and straw return group increased by 3.03%-8.16% relative to the group without straw return. Rotation increased soil available P (AP) and RRS significantly increased soil organic matter (OM), total N (TN) and available K (AK) in comparison with RR. Rotation impacts soil microbial community in a stronger way than straw return. Rotation increased the bacterial species numbers and fungal Shannon index. Disease-suppressing bacteria were enriched and some fungal pathogen was decreased in rotation treatments. Straw return had no potential risk in increasing the microbial pathogens. Soil fertilities like AK and AP were closely correlated with bacterial alpha-diversity and rice yield. In conclusion, our research demonstrated that combined crop rotation and straw return is an optimum agricultural practice in increasing rice productivity and soil fertility. The impacts of crop rotation and straw return on the microbiota were distinct. These findings help us manage the crops and residues in southern China.

Abstract: The objective of this research study is to assess the difficulty level student face when writing research projects. The methodology is a quantitative with a prospective observational cross-sectional design. Both simple random probabilistic sampling and a questionnaire composed of 32 items are applied to survey 228 students: 82 from administration, 40 from accounting, 49 from law, and 57 from civil engineering. The results show that students have a medium level of difficulty when writing a research project. Law students (51.02%) experience the greatest difficulties when writing the problem statement, the theoretical framework, and the methodological design. In conclusion, it is suggested that universities include courses on research in their academic programs in each semester, as well as extracurricular activities such as training programs, academic writing workshops, and summer research courses.

Resumen: El objetivo de esta investigación es conocer el nivel de dificultad que enfrentan los estudiantes universitarios cuando redactan proyectos de investigación. La metodología es cuantitativa con diseño observacional prospectiva de corte transversal. Se aplica un muestreo probabilístico aleatorio simple y un cuestionario compuesto de 32 ítems. La muestra consiste de 228 estudiantes: 82 de administración, 40 de contabilidad, 49 de derecho y 57 de ingeniería civil. Los resultados muestran que los estudiantes tienen mediana dificultad en la redacción del proyecto de investigación. Los estudiantes de derecho (51.02%) muestran las mayores en la redacción del planteamiento del problema, en el marco teórico y en el diseño metodológico. En conclusión, se sugiere que las universidades incluyan asignaturas relacionadas a investigación en sus planes de estudio en cada uno de los semestres y que realicen actividades extracurriculares como programas de capacitación, talleres de escritura académica y cursos de verano en investigación.

RESUMEN El presente trabajo busca contribuir a la concreción de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible de Naciones Unidas promoviendo formas alternativas de enseñar ciencias que superen las dificultades geográficas propias de los contextos Latinoamericanos. Se utilizan tecnologías de la información y la comunicación para facilitar la formación continua docente. Se presentan los resultados de una investigación que incluyó el desarrollo de una propuesta didáctica para la actualización del profesorado de ciencias en temas de género y su puesta en práctica a través de un curso enteramente virtual. La propuesta contó con actividades autogestionadas a través del uso de un espacio virtual de enseñanza y aprendizaje. Se recuperan las voces de las y los participantes destacando la creación de comunidades de práctica y el uso de contenidos sociocientíficos, particularmente vinculados con la perspectiva de género en la enseñanza de las ciencias.

RESUMO O presente trabalho procura contribuir para a concretização dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável das Nações Unidas, promovendo formas alternativas de ensino de ciências que superem as dificuldades geográficas próprias dos contextos latino-americanos. São utilizadas tecnologias da informação e comunicação com o intuito de facilitar a formação contínua de professores. Apresentam-se os resultados de uma pesquisa que incluiu o desenvolvimento de uma proposta didática para professores de ciências em temas de género e sua implementação através de um curso inteiramente virtual. A proposta contou com atividades autogeridas através do uso de um espaço virtual de ensino e aprendizagem. As vozes dos participantes são recuperadas, destacando a criação de comunidades de prática e o uso de conteúdos sociocientíficos, particularmente vinculados à perspetiva de género no ensino de ciências.

ABSTRACT This paper aims to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting alternative science teaching methods that address the geographical challenges specific to Latin American contexts. It employs information and communication technologies to facilitate continuous teacher training. The study presents the findings of a research project that developed and implemented a didactic proposal for updating science teachers on gender issues through a fully virtual course. The proposal included self-directed activities utilizing a virtual teaching and learning environment. Participant feedback highlights the formation of communities of practice and the integration of socio-scientific content, particularly focusing on the gender perspective in science education.

RESUMEN El artículo presenta una reflexión derivada de una revisión sistemática (RS) de literatura sobre formación inicial docente (FID) y la implementación de controversias sociocientíficas (CSC), como herramienta esencial en la FID de profesores de ciencias, con énfasis en profesores de química en formación, como población estudio, del proyecto de investigación que sustenta esta reflexión. Las CSC se destacan como una oportunidad para contribuir a la alfabetización científica (AC) con fines democratizantes de la ciencia, más allá de la AC funcional, especialmente en un contexto post-pandemia, caracterizado por la necesidad de innovar en metodologías para desarrollar motivación y pensamiento crítico, valorando el conocimiento científico en contexto y territorio, para una ciudadanía responsable. La integración de CSC en la FID, desafía las prácticas tradicionales y dogmáticas, transitando a una educación contextualmente relevante. La reflexión está situada en el contexto chileno, con el objetivo de tensionar la FID en ciencias y su propósito.

RESUMO O artigo apresenta uma reflexão decorrente de uma revisão sistemática da literatura sobre a formação inicial de professores e a implementação de Controvérsias Sociocientíficas (CSC), como ferramenta essencial na formação inicial de professores de ciências, com ênfase nos professores de química. As CSC destacam-se como uma oportunidade de contribuir para a alfabetização científica (AC) com objetivos democratizantes da ciência, para além da AC funcional, especialmente num contexto pós-pandemia, caracterizado pela necessidade de inovar através de metodologias com o intuito de desenvolver a motivação e o pensamento crítico, valorizando o conhecimento científico em contexto e território, na procura de uma cidadania responsável. A integração das CSC na formação inicial de professores desafiou práticas mais tradicionais e dogmáticas, caminhando para uma educação contextualmente relevante. A reflexão situa-se no contexto chileno, com o objetivo de destacar a formação inicial de professores em ciências e a sua finalidade.

ABSTRACT The article presents a reflection derived from a systematic review of literature on initial teacher training (ITT) and the implementation of socio-scientific issues (SSI), as an essential tool in the ITT of science teachers, with emphasis on chemistry teachers in formation, as a population study of the research project that supports this reflection. SSI stand out as an opportunity to contribute to scientific literacy (SL) with democratizing goals of science, beyond functional SL, especially in a post-pandemic context, characterized by the need to innovate in methodologies to develop motivation and critical thinking, valuing scientific knowledge in context and territory, for responsible citizenship. The integration of SSI into the ITT challenged traditional and dogmatic practices, moving towards a contextually relevant education. The reflection is situated in the Chilean context, with the objective of stressing the ITT in science and its purpose.

The aim of this paper was to establish if mineral resource scarcity is a driver for South Africa to transition to a circular economy. The project objectives were achieved by investigating economically viable, and critical or strategic minerals remaining in South Africa, as well as resource scarcity, as a driver for South Africa to transition to a circular economy. The study found that some minerals in South Africa, such as iron ore, lead, manganese, gold, and cobalt have less than 50 years of economically viable mining remaining. At least 18 minerals can be classified indicatively as critical or strategic: aggregates, bauxite, chromite, cobalt, copper, gold, graphite, iron, limestone, lithium, manganese, nickel, phosphorous, platinum group metals, rare earth elements, silver, titanium, and vanadium. The classification was based on the minerals' economic importance, supply risk, and potential use in the development and manufacturing of emerging technologies. The findings suggest that the scarcity of mineral resources is a critical driver for the country to transition to a circular economy. Other identified drivers include socio-economic factors, climate change commitments, and business objectives. All minerals are non-renewable resources and at risk of depletion, therefore sustainable extraction and use are critical. Priority should be directed at investigating circular economy opportunities and substitutes for commodities at risk of being depleted within the next 50 years. There is an opportunity for South Africa to transition from a minerals export-based model to one that promotes local mineral beneficiation and manufacturing of end products.

THE ESSENCE OF TEACHING. This article is a reflection on significant empirical qualitative research done within four Afrikaans-speaking denominations in South Africa. The research was prompted by a request from one such denomination experiencing a serious challenge in what is called 'kategese' in Afrikaans-speaking Reformed churches. The process of registering a research project within the Department of Practical Theology and Mission Studies was done accordingly and the necessary ethical clearance was obtained. After 123 qualitative interviews and the scientific analysis of the data, it was decided to theologically reflect on the nine most outstanding concepts deriving from the analysis. This article has a twofold purpose: it describes the empirical research process; and secondly, it reflects theologically on the essence of the didache as a ministry. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS: In the process, the multi-disciplinary nature of the didache is obvious. In the article planned to follow on this one, it is even more obvious, but in this article, the importance of the Biblical Sciences, Systematic Theology and Congregational Studies are easy to recognise.

Catechesis and other faith formation practices often focus solely on the transmission of theological and dogmatic knowledge. This approach, combined with other factors, frequently leads to adolescents disengaging from congregational activities after taking confession. Research shows that when meaningful relationships are integrated into these processes, adolescents are more likely to remain involved in their congregations even after confession. This article,1 drawing on data from a larger project on catechesis within Afrikaans-speaking congregations of the Dutch Reformed Church family, as well as a literature study, advocates for renewed emphasis on relationships during catechesis and other formation practices. The arguments presented here are centred on the concept of faith formation as a covenantal journey, and theological justifications for this are provided. INTRADISCIPLINARY/INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS: While not explored in depth, this article highlights the connection between faith formation and the role of other disciplines, such as education. It aligns with the journal's focus by promoting further interdisciplinary dialogue.

Abstract More than 90% of spermatozoa of boars in pork producing countries is stored in liquid at 17 °C; however, the quality of these spermatozoa is affected by bacterial breeding and oxidative damage. This study analyzed sperm quality and sperm capacitation after storage to study the effects of the effects of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) supplementation on seminal plasma (SP)-free sperm preservation. We investigated the effects of adding 20, 50, 100 and 200 μg/mL of ZnO NPs to a seminal free boar sperm diluent over a 7-day period at 17 °C to assess the changes in non-capacitated/capacitated sperm quality parameters, antioxidant capacity, ATP content and extent of protein tyrosine phosphorylation. The addition of different doses of ZnO NPs to stored sperm did not induce significant effects on the sperm motility and ATP content when compared to the sperm without ZnO NPs treatment. However, the addition of 50, 100, 200 μg/mL ZnO NPs to stored sperm improved total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and CuZn-superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) (p < 0.05). ZnO NPs also reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the preserved sperm (p < 0.05). Moreover, our results indicate that the supplementation of 50 μg/mL ZnO NPs to preserved sperm improved the sperm membrane integrity (p < 0.05). ZnO NPs exerted protective effects on protein tyrosine phosphorylation, especially with regards to membrane proteins. Following incubation and capacitation, sperm exhibited good levels of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and ATP levels with high T-AOC and CuZn-SOD activity and low MDA content. ZnO NPs exerted protective capacity to a preservation extender used for SP-free boar sperm during storage at 17 °C. The optimal concentration of ZnO NPs for preservation extender was 50 μg/mL.